What is it like to grow up as a military brat?
Can you say travel and diversity? That is what being a military brat imparted to me. I love visiting and learning about different places and have always embraced people who are different from me. I learned to adapt to new places, people and circumstances quickly. I look at life through the lense of adventure. The military taught me to enjoy the journey and embrace the challenges life offers.
What books do you remember reading during your childhood?
Little Women, Winnie the Pooh, The Cat in the Hat
What was your experience of having traveled the world with your family and how has that affected your life as an adult?
I lived in Germany most of my childhood. One of my favorite candies to this day is Gummy Bears as I first had them in Germany. Of course, the wine vineyards and walking amongst the grapes is one of my most treasured memories and I LOVE wine! I think my travel as an adult made me well-rounded and a bit of a dare angel as I will try anything once. My favorite vacation as an adult is cruising because I can visit more than one country and only have to unpack once.
Having a culturally diverse background, do you easily click with people from different backgrounds?
Yes, I do! Very seldom do I meet a stranger and I love the learning about our differences.
What are the challenges of being an international inspirational speaker?
One of the main challenges, getting the gigs! I am still fairly new at this and love it. My most memorable experience was traveling to Africa (pre-covid) and speaking at a Women's Conference.
Do you remember the first story you wrote and who did you read it to?
The first story I wrote would be "A Princess Called Pearl", it's a story about a girl who is a princess but doesn't feel like one because she didn't have all of the things a princess normally has. I read it to my daughter. I hope to get it published one day.
How did you come up with the idea for your novel, Hello Beloved! Volume 1: Eternally Loving You, Abba?
Hello Beloved, is straight from my personal prayer journal. I decided to share it so it would minister to the heart of those who need encouragement. My Papa God speaks to me gently and lovingly when I am spending time in prayer. My relationship with Him is very important to me.
How many books do you plan to write in "Hello Beloved!" series?
Right now, there are going to be 3 in the series but as I continue to spend time with my Abba, I am sure He will share more of His heart with me so I can share it with others.
Who makes your book covers for you? Where do you get the ideas and pictures for your book covers?
"Hello Beloved!" I self-published and chose flowers to represent the beauty of God's creation. Flowers are often given in love. so what better representation of His Love than a beautiful flower? My illustrator, Jessica Dean, for Maggie the Milkshake Baby was amazing. We met through a friend and she caught the vision of Maggie immediately. When I saw the illustration of Maggie the first time, I literally cried with joy as she was EXACTLY how I had envisioned her.
Who inspired the character of Maggie an interracial child in "Maggie the Milkshake Baby"?
What made me decide to write a story about a girl named Maggie who had a skewed view of herself because of her racial and cultural mix? Quite simply, we live in a nation where when two people of two different races meet, fall in love, and decide they want to marry it is still an issue. It shouldn’t be but it is and out of my desire to bring healing to the children of these mixed beautifully blended families, Maggie was born. I was walking one day and I saw these gorgeous children. I don’t remember what they were doing but I do remember thinking to myself. “Lord, they are so beautiful! Why are mixed children always so absolutely beautiful? It doesn’t matter what their parents look like, the children are lovely.” I heard a quiet voice say, “They are my Milkshake Babies!” “Milkshake Babies, what’s that Lord?” I quietly questioned. “They are my special blend, a sweet treat. When I put them together in their mother’s womb, I took the best of both their parents and they are carefully crafted just as you all are. You are all my Milkshake Babies.” He sweetly responded. How wonderful of God the Father to share his view of what so many won’t accept, true love is blind when it comes to the color of a person’s skin. Racism and bigotry are a heart issue. It’s not rooted in truth but a lie the enemy has used to bring separation where there should be unity.
What are some tips for would-be podcast hosts on finding a niche and success?
Do a podcast on what moves you passionately. Just do it! Don't let anything stop you and if it works, it works! Don't be discouraged and keep on going. The main thing to remember is if it makes a difference in one person's life or a million then you've done something that matters.
If you could give a writer working on their debut novel one piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy the journey! Don't allow what should give you joy to stress you out. Remember your "why" for writing!
What is your writing kryptonite? Inversely, what is something that never fails to inspire you?
My Kryptonite is "not" writing! When I don't write, I feel as though I am missing a vital part of my heart and life. What never fails to inspire me, my relationship and conversations with my Papa God. I love to write from His heart.
What is your next novel about?
I am currently preparing a sequel about a character found in "Maggie the Milkshake Baby" called Allyse. Allyse has adventures with her friends with God as their guide. He takes them to unexpected places and on wonderful adventures.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
Being associated with AllAuthor has been an transformational experience! The promotional products are done in excellence and the exposure has been wonderful. I love being a part of the platform and the creativity associated with it.
